Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University

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Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University

Cardozo's J.D. program combines a strong foundation of first-year courses in legal skills and methods with a rich and varied upper-level elective curriculum. Supplemented by numerous experiential programs, including internships, externships, and clinics, as well as opportunities to work on six student-run journals and the Moot Court Honor Society, the academic program provides students numerous pathways to the Juris Doctor degee-all designed to prepare them for roles as tomorrow's top legal scholars and practitioners.

Overview

Overview

About Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University

Cardozo's J.D. program combines a strong foundation of first-year courses in legal skills and methods with a rich and varied upper-level elective curriculum. Supplemented by numerous experiential programs, including internships, externships, and clinics, as well as opportunities to work on six student-run journals and the Moot Court Honor Society, the academic program provides students numerous pathways to the Juris Doctor degee-all designed to prepare them for roles as tomorrow's top legal scholars and practitioners.

Reviews

Throughout its brief 36-year existence, Cardozo School of Law continues to brim with the enthusiasm and vigor of a young institution on the rise. At this New York City school, “The faculty, administrators and students are all energized and optimistic. We’re willing to try new ideas and new programs in ways that older schools are not.” At the heart of the experience, Cardozo’s “outstanding” professors “come from a wide variety of back­grounds,” and “many of them are just so brilliant that it makes your head want to explode.” A current student enthuses, “I’m a 2L and so far I have had class with two profes­sors who clerked for US Supreme Court justices, professors who argued before the Supreme Court, and professors who taught us cases (from our text books) which they actually litigated.” As at any school, “There are a few cranky professors who never seem to have their morning coffee”; however, most professors “absolutely love to teach,” and “go out of their way to make sure the students are comfortable with the course and the material.” While class sizes can be fairly large, “The faculty makes a special effort to get to know all of their students.”Cardozo’s first-year core curriculum is undeniably tough, but professors and adminis­trators “appreciate the challenges that the 1L year presents and are very sympathetic to that pressure.” Happily, “The only required course after 1L year is Advanced Legal Research,” and students tell us that, “The electives, specifically in Intellectual Property, are second to none.” Cardozo’s curriculum further distinguishes itself through its “dedication to a prac­tical, effective legal education,” graduating students who are “prepared to walk into a court room or negotiation.” With New York City as a backdrop, “There are so many diverse opportunities for students to get out of the classroom and start practicing law,” including a “wide variety of internships, clinics, and externships.” A current student elaborates, “Sure, there’s law review, moot court, and mock trial, but there’s also a dozen clinics that are eager to take on students—not to mention the envied Innocence Project—and then a slew of clubs and advocacy organizations.” In addition, “There are a lot of study abroad opportunities that are affordable and really unique,” such as trips to places like Haiti or Hong Kong during school vacations. While some complain that, “the academic experience at Cardozo is unfairly underrated” in national rankings, they are confident that this “hidden gem” remains a robust con­tender. As it ages, the school’s “ideal location, range of externship and field clinic opportu­nities, and growing alumni network will surely continue to attract the best students.” Plus, it has already gained a strong foothold in New York City. In fact, Cardozo is dedicated to helping students navigate the tough local job market, right off the bat: “All 1Ls meet with counselors to discuss their resumes, and plenty of information is provided to help students secure summer jobs.” Beyond the Career Services office, Cardozo’s “Administration is generally friendly and helpful,” though students say registration can be a bit arduous. When it comes to campus resources, “There is no free LEXIS and WestLaw printing,” but “the legal collection is fairly extensive and there are lots of computers available to stu­dents.” While the building is small, students say it is up-to-date, though you may have to study at home on the weekends: “Its Jewish affiliation means that the building closes at sundown on Fridays and is closed all day on Saturday.”

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Law Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in law. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Description: A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of law, for taking state and national bar examinations, and for advanced research in jurisprudence. Includes instruction in the theory and practice of the legal system, including the statutory, administrative, and judicial components of civil and criminal law.

Job Opportunities:

Lawyers

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Judicial Law Clerks

Assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents.

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers

Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.

Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators

Facilitate negotiation and conflict resolution through dialogue. Resolve conflicts outside of the court system by mutual consent of parties involved.

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates

Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.

Law Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in law. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

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